Homeopathy for Chikungunya

Aedes albopictus female mosquito

Chikungunya is a viral disease, transmitted by mosquitoes. Symptoms appear within 5-7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Symptoms are weakness, fever, headache, skin rash, muscle pain, and joint pains are most severe. Most people feel better within 7-10 days, but incapacitating joint pains may linger for one month or longer, sometimes resulting in joint stiffness and restriction of mobility. Young people tend to recover easily. Newborns, adults over 40, and people with chronic diseases may experience the most severe form of the disease.

Conventional medicine does not offer any specific treatment for chikungunya, other than rest and OTC painkillers. Most people find it difficult to take painkillers for long periods of time because of their side effects and risks associated with long-term consumption.

There are many homeopathic remedies which can be used for chikungunya, the first of the line being Euphatorium perfoliatum (or Eup. per). Eup. per relieves the severe joint pains to a great extent and address the fever and weakness, reducing the intensity of the symptoms.

Other remedies that may be considered according to the person's symptoms are Belladonna, Bryonia, Cinchona, Gelsimium, Rhus tox, Pyrogenum, Polyporus pinicula.

It is advisable to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites by wearing long sleeved clothing and full pants when outdoors, keeping windows screened with a mesh, and using a natural mosquito repellent like oil of lemon eucalyptus. It is also important to keep surroundings clean and prevent any collection of water (including roof gutters, bird baths) where mosquitoes may breed.


Note: Please do not take any of the above remedies for chikungunya without consulting a Professional Homeopath.


Additional Reading:

1. PubMed - Homeopathy in Chikungunya Fever and Post-Chikungunya Arthritis

Image credit: James Gathany via Wikimedia Commons